Group Workshed Scheme: The scheme for Group Workshed for the powerloom sector was formulated by making the necessary modifications to the Group Workshed Scheme, which was prominent back then. These changes were made in the decentralised power loom sector in order to organise individual power loom units as a cluster.
Moreover, this would result in improved working conditions in terms of premises and work environment, as well as an enhanced work efficiency ratio and their competitiveness in the universal market.
Objective of the Group Workshed Scheme
The main objectives of the Group Workshed Scheme are:
- To provide better spaces and work environments for weavers.
- To enhance the global competitiveness of the weaving sector.
- We aim to group together power loom units to improve their management and efficiency.
- The aim is to establish the necessary economic scale for business operations.
- The aim is also to enable the establishment of work sheds specifically designed for shuttleless looms.
Eligibility Criteria for Group Workshed Scheme
To apply for assistance under the Group Workshed Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Must belong to a recognised weaving community or a group of weavers.
Four or more weavers or entrepreneurs should propose a group workshed for joint use.
A workshed supports the installation of a minimum of 24 shuttleless looms (up to 230 cm width) or 16 wide shuttleless looms (230 cm or more).
Each beneficiary has ensured the operation of at least four looms, encouraging meaningful income growth.
Use of TUFS-compliant machinery is mandatory, promoting modern, efficient, and compliant weaving infrastructure.
Subsidy Chart
Below is a structure of subsidy under the Group Workshed Scheme:
| Component | Eligible Subsidy | Max. subsidy per sq. ft. |
| General | 40% | Rs.400 |
| Scheduled Caste | 75% | Rs.750 |
| Scheduled Tribe | 90% | Rs.900 |
How to apply for the Group Workshed Scheme?
The advertisement for applying to the group workshed scheme is published in newspapers, and applicants are requested to follow any such notifications.
Benefits of the Group Workshed Scheme
Before diving into the eligibility or application steps, here are some most important benefits of this scheme:
- A unified workshed space will be created for working collaboratively among handloom artisans.
- The most acceptable area for shuttleless looms is 400 square feet, and 125 square feet for hostels.
- The project will provide capital subsidy support for the purchase of shuttleless looms and preparatory equipment.
- Encouragement of the use of modern loom technology and enhanced productivity.
- Reduces the initial capital burden on individual fibre weavers or small artisan groups.
- Increases market competitiveness for handloom products.
- Strengthens loom industry clusters at the community level and promotes self-reliance.
Final Thoughts: The Group Workshed Scheme provides a valuable platform for supporting handloom artisans, modernising their activities, and improving production quality. Reducing capital expenditure and enabling shared infrastructure, it helps strengthen handloom clusters and increase income.